Rhodoliths are one of the most extensive benthic communities of the Brazilian continental shelf, but their structure is poorly known. The richest marine flora of Brazil's coastal zone is found in Espirito Santo State and its diversity has been partly associated with the presence of extensive areas of rhodoliths, extending from the intertidal zone to 120 in across the continental shelf. One species of kelp, Laminaria abyssalis, is endemic to this area and occurs between 45 and 120 m depth. Our objective was to determine the density and physical dimensions of the superficial rhodoliths between 4 and 55 in depth in the southern region of Espirito Santo State. The study area was 3 to 45 km offshore. Samples were obtained in 2004 and 2005 by Scuba diving in three depth zones: 4-18 m, 25-30 m and 50-55 m. Transect lines and video images were used to determine rhodolith density. The diameter and sphericity of at least 60 individuals from each zone were measured. Rhodolith size increased and density decreased from the shallow to the deeper zones. Spheroidal was the typical shape throughout the depth zones. Five rhodolith-forming genera were identified: Lithothamnion, Lithophyllum, Hydrolithon, Neogoniolithon and Sporolithon. Epibenthic biomass and species richness over the rhodolith bed in the shallow zone was lowest in winter, likely the result of disturbance caused by typical winter storms. Changes in light and temperature are probably the most important factors in the changes observed in the rhodolith beds from the deepest zones.

Depth range
4- 55 m

Mesophotic “mentions”
0 x (total of 8227 words)

Classification
* Presents original data
* Focused on 'mesophotic' depth range
* Focused on 'mesophotic coral ecosystem'

Fields
Ecology
Biodiversity
Community structure

Focusgroups
Algae (Macro, Turf and Crustose Coralline)

Locations
Brazil - Eastern Brazil

Platforms
SCUBA (open-circuit or unspecified)